Sabah values cooperation with China, plans to improve ties further

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah highly values the strong cooperation it has with China and plans to improve its existing ties, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

Speaking at a Chinese New Year reception hosted by the Chinese Consulate in Kota Kinabalu on Monday night (Jan 22), he said there was already a strong momentum and collaboration between Sabah and China in many areas of partnership including investment, trade and culture.

"The Sabah government attaches great importance to the good relationship with China.

"As highlighted by Consul-General of China to Kota Kinabalu Dr Huang Shifang, our efforts in improving the relationship between Sabah and China have produced fruitful outcomes over the years.

"Sabah has conducted friendly exchanges with several provinces and cities in China as a result," he explained during the event, which was graced by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah Tun Juhar Mahiruddin.

Hajiji said he was confident of a favourable result from the trade mission to China where he spoke at the Global Chinese Economic and Technology Summit in Shenzhen, last year.

"I had the opportunity to meet investors and invite them to explore business and investment opportunities in Sabah.

"Since then, there have been numerous engagements between the state and Chinese investors," he said.

Hajiji also took the opportunity to thank the Chinese Consul-General for actively promoting friendly exchanges and cooperation between both parties.

"There is much we can mutually do to play an active role and enhance friendly ties, exchanges and cooperation," he added.